Hi all
I have had a mystery bird in my garden on and off for weeks, maybe months
(it could be a resident - I'm not sure because huge trees make any
comprehensive scanning difficult/impossible without time & binoculas).
It's probably no mystery for you, but does not seem to fit descriptions I
have. (I'm not a great observer - I see but do not observe . . )
SIZE BEHAVIOUR FORM ETC maybe 15-18 cm. It has treecreeper characheristics,
but not the right colouring and does not go vertically up trunks, but
sometimes seems to move similarly up 45 degree branches for short distances.
Size and general form/shape seem similar, though it could be slightly larger
and more rounded than our common white throated treecreepers (and shorter
bill(?).
I have not seen it feeding, but it's spent time moving around in E Nicholii
branches, otherwise just briefly in other shrubs/trees. I have not seen it
on the ground - only at least 2 metres up.
COLOUR: back, head and throat an even mid grey (similar grey to grey
fantails) but with darker bar through eye. Tail and wings similar, except a
couple of definite white/pale buff streaks. From the throat it grades to
very pale buff/white under the tail. Looks a bit like pictures of female
hooded robin. But white streak closer to bottom/front edge of wing, and I
caught a glimpse of two of them together once, and they looked the same
(they were in fairly dense foliage and I could not see clearly).
CALL: nothing that I can be sure of, but did hear a call like a wooden
ratchet slowing down over 4 notes shortly before I saw it this morning (out
of a window).
Will update if I see it again and can better 'observe' (any advice
gratefully received)
By the way, my pardalotes are still interacting with the reflections in my
office windows from the rangy hakea just outside. In this warm weather I
have opened a casement window, and both the female and the male have often
perched where they can see two reflections and interact with both in turn
(keeps them busy). They have also investigated around the frame of the open
window, usually flying off after finding no apparent pardalote behind.
Female generally still more agitated and active than the male, though he
calls more. Currently have 5 king parrots enjoying the hakea. One has just
clung to the timber window frame and appears to be interacting with
reflection, curiously and gently pecking at the glass.
cheers
Barbara Preston
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Barbara Preston Research
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O'Connor ACT 2602
AUSTRALIA
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Email:
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